Using Bad PSU

[1ceHacka]

Just wondering if it was risky to use a cheap PSU for test purposes only...to make sure thigns like a mobo, cpu work???

 

[JHDave1]

As long as you know that the PSU works, I really don't think that you are taking much of a risk. I won't say it's a great idea, but in reality I don't think it will ever cause you any problems. Heck, most people use a cheap PSU for the entire life of their system. Just look at how many Dell computers there are in the world.

 

[BillBright]

I do it all the time. I have a a small pile of cheap PSUs that retailers throw in good cases to make the case sell. You can buy a $10 PSU tester from CompUSA to test the PSU and make sure the voltages are "good enough". Then what I do is just leave the tester plugged in. The tester has a "dummy load" which tricks the PSU into thinking it is hooked up to a motherboard as this places the necessary load on the circuit. This way, it is easy to test fans and drive motors on the test bench.

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=332184&pfp=SEARCH

 

[suszterpatt]

If you're not going to stress them, then yeah it's ok.

 

[Luckyboy1]

It's not a "bad" power supply you are using so much as a lower powered one, correct? I mean, it's not shorting or catching fire or anything is it?

I never sell old power supplies. Why people go eBay a fine 500 watt or so Antec that just barely ain't enough for them anymore is beyond me. There are so many things you can use the older power supply for and bench testing mommaboards is just one of 'em.

You can avoid buying a new power supply by running two power supplies at once with the newer, more capable one running the mostest of it and the older one running some fans and who knows. other things as well.

You can run 12 volt pumps.

and many other things my pea sized brain can't imagine right now!